Social Work Practice Educator’s Conference 2026

Supporting Students, Apprentices and Newly Qualified Social Workers through Clear, Consistent, Conscientious and Compassionate Practice
About this Event

Join us for an inspiring and practice-focused conference, Reconnecting with the Foundations of Social Work Practice Education, where we refocus on what matters most in supporting the next generation of social workers.

This event brings together practice educators, mentors and onsite supervisors, to explore how we can strengthen our approaches to supporting students, apprentices and newly qualified social workers through clear, consistent, conscientious and compassionate practice.

In an increasingly complex practice landscape, the fundamentals of high-quality practice education are more important than ever. Together, we will reflect on how to make fair, evidence-informed judgements, support learners effectively, and uphold professional standards with confidence and integrity.

Through a range of presentations, discussions and shared learning, the conference will offer practical insights, tools and strategies to enhance your role as a practice educator—helping you to feel more assured in your decision-making and more impactful in your support of learners.

Whether you are an experienced educator or new to the role, this is an opportunity to reconnect with core principles, share challenges and strengthen your practice within a supportive professional community.

The conference has been running for 13 years, and aims to celebrate all things Practice Learning in the East Anglia region.

By the end of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Apply the principles of clarity, consistency, conscientiousness and compassion in social work practice education
• Make fair, evidence-informed and defensible assessment decisions in relation to students, apprentices and newly qualified social workers
• Promote consistency and transparency in assessment practice across practice learning settings
• Reflect on and strengthen their own decision-making and assessment practice within complex practice environments
• Promote equitable and inclusive approaches to assessment and support within diverse practice environments
• Enhance their skills in providing constructive, compassionate feedback that supports learning and professional development

Attendees can park in Duke Street Car Park (IP3 0AQ), which is a public car park close to the University Campus.

Upon arrival, please register in the Waterfront Foyer. You will then be directed to the Atrium Building for the conference.